WBAL-TV 11 News reporter Kerry Cavanaugh said Clinton focused on the importance of maintaining good relations with the Asia Pacific region during her speech at the academy’s annual Foreign Affairs Conference. She encouraged the future officers to view public service as part of military leadership.

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"The challenges of the 21st century are blurring the lines between defense, diplomacy and development -- the three D's of foreign policy," Clinton said.

The secretary emphasized the need to cement good economic and political ties with the Asia-Pacific nations, especially China, telling the audience that a thriving China is good for America and vice versa.

"Future growth depends on reaching further into Asia's growing consumer base and expanding middle class," Clinton said. "Indeed, the shape of the global economy and the advance of human rights and our hopes for a 21st century less bloody than the 20th century all hinge, to a large degree, on what happens in the Asia Pacific."

Clinton also addressed what she called an imminent threat, saying, "As we meet here tonight, North Korea is readying a long-range missile launch that will violate U.N. Security Council resolutions and put its neighbors and region at risk."

Midshipmen lined up to ask the secretary foreign policy questions that ranged from war crimes in the Congo to the capture of Osama bin Laden.

Midshipmen with whom 11 News spoke said they appreciated the insider's perspective on diplomatic relations.

"I think I took away from her how important diplomacy as a process is and how it's an ongoing thing," Midshipman 3rd Class Heather Wallace said.

Cavanaugh said the most enthusiastic response from the crowd came when Clinton granted Midshipmen the night off, and some plebes even raced out of the auditorium to take advantage of a few hours of free time.